The CRPF’s VIP Security wing currently provides protection to over 200 individuals, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and members of the Gandhi family, such as Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra
In a strategic overhaul, the Union Government has disbanded the Central Reserve Police Force’s (CRPF) Parliament Duty Group (PDG), merging its 1,400 personnel into the VIP Security Group (VSG). The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued the order, officially changing the nomenclature of the PDG, thereby enhancing the VSG’s capacity to provide security to high-risk dignitaries.
This decision follows a recent directive from the MHA to reassign CRPF’s 190th battalion, previously deployed in Jharkhand’s Chatra district for anti-Naxal operations, to the VSG. The addition of this battalion, comprising over 1,000 personnel, is expected to strengthen the group’s ability to ensure comprehensive security for VIPs across the country.
The CRPF’s VIP Security wing currently provides protection to over 200 individuals, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and members of the Gandhi family, such as Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. “The task of the VIP security wing is expanding every day. With a new battalion and the PDG, its strength has gone up to more than 8,000 personnel,” a senior CRPF officer said.
Transition From Parliament Security To VIP Duties
The PDG was officially removed from Parliament House security duties in May last year, with the responsibility handed over to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Although informally linked with the VIP Security wing since its withdrawal, the recent order formalises its integration into the VSG. The personnel will now focus on safeguarding high-risk dignitaries.
“The force rendered its duty with absolute dedication and without any error at Parliament, but it still bore the brunt of the major security breach that took place in 2023. It was an unfortunate exit for the CRPF from this iconic duty theatre,” a senior officer of the PDG remarked.
The breach in question occurred on December 13, 2023, during Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, when two individuals jumped into the chamber from the public gallery. They released yellow smoke from canisters and shouted slogans before being subdued by Members of Parliament. The incident raised concerns over security protocols at the heart of India’s democracy.
Strengthening VIP Security Amid Growing Threats
Last year, the Union Government also directed the withdrawal of the National Security Guard (NSG) from VIP security duties, transferring nine high-risk protectees under its charge to the CRPF. As part of this restructuring, the MHA approved the formation of a new battalion comprising specially trained personnel, previously engaged in Parliament security, to bolster the CRPF’s VIP Security wing.
The decision to relieve the NSG from VIP duties had been under consideration since 2012, when NSG commanders identified the need to focus the elite force on counter-terrorism operations. The plan envisioned a scenario where the NSG might have to respond to simultaneous terror attacks across multiple locations in the country, necessitating the availability of all its resources for such emergencies.
The reshuffle is expected to optimise the deployment of security forces while addressing the evolving nature of threats to high-profile individuals and institutions. With an expanded force and revised mandate, the CRPF’s VIP Security wing is poised to play a central role in ensuring the safety of India’s most prominent leaders.
